The US Open will allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete under a neutral flag, , the US Tennis Association announced on Tuesday.
“The USTA will allow all eligible players, regardless of nationality, to compete at the 2022 US Open,” USTA stated.
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“The USTA will allow individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in the 2022 US Open, but only under a neutral flag.
USTA Statement Regarding Russian and Belarusian Players:
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 14, 2022
“Alongside the other Grand Slams, the ITF, the ATP and the WTA, the USTA, which owns and operates the US Open, has previously condemned, and continues to condemn, the unprovoked and unjust invasion of Ukraine by Russia.”
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The move comes after the ATP and WTA stripped Wimbledon of ranking points after the grass-court Grand Slam tournament banned Russian and Belarusians.
Wimbledon’s ban has ruled out a swathe of top players, including men’s World No 1 and US Open champion Daniil Medvedev as well as Aryna Sabalenka and two-time major winner Victoria Azarenka.
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The International Tennis Federation, the ATP and WTA Tours have all condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, supported by Belarus.
The USTA also said it would introduce initiatives to help ongoing Ukrainian humanitarian efforts.
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“Unfortunately, the need for help only continues to grow,” said USTA president Mike McNulty.
“The USTA will be responding very soon with a broad set of initiatives that will include significant financial assistance and other programs to further support humanitarian relief and the people of Ukraine.”
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